>I've got an 87 Westy, had it for about a month and I started to notice a
>whirring noise when I stop somewhere with the engin running, turns out its
>the fuel pump,  is it normal to be able to hear the fuel pump?

On my 81 Vanagon, I get a sound that seems to match what you are saying, and
when I took it to the dealer, he said it was the fuel filter. I changed the
filter, and the sound went away. Now when I hear it, I change the filter and
it sure as heck seems to be the cure. I have no idea why the fuel filter
being dirty causes such a sound, but it certainly does.

Just thought this might be the same thing you are hearing.

Regards from Utah,

John